This doppel is started with a base of Pilsen malt. It is colored and flavored by caravienne, caramunich and special-B malts. A large portion of Munich malt is used for its distinctly German flavor and aroma, as well as a little aromatic malt. Finally, there is some carapils to add to the full body. It is also flavored with moderate amounts of Yakima Perle and German Hallertau hops to balance the malty sweetness. Though the IBU level is pretty high, this is not a hoppy beer. It's just that it takes a lot of hops to balance out such a malty beer. (O.G. 20.5P/1082. Hops - 46 IBUs)

Pours a dark chestnut brown with good thick head. A bit lighter in color than I would think a doppelbock should be, hence the mark to 3.5 Nice lacing. Malty aroma, some caramel and wet hay. Sweet. A bit sticky. Some very faint spice comes into play too.Malty flavor. Sweet, some caramel. I like the bits of spicy hops that keeps this from becoming a malt bomb. makes it easier to drink. This residual malt I usually don't like in malt-bombs is tempered here.Clean finish. Nice drinking. (490 characters)

Pours a clear dark amber color with a one inch light tan head on top. Great retention and some good lacing.

The aroma is typical Free State. Almost nothing going on but a bit of indistinct sweet malt.

The mouth livens up a bit, but is less than expected. A light grainy flavor, with some nutty and bready aspects is the base for this beer. A big sweet caramel crashes into the palate here and there. A very slightly booziness at times is apparent as well. Not quite what I'm looking for in a doppelbock.

The mouthfeel is pushing full bodied and is rather syrupy with lower carbonation. I like a thicker mouthfeel, but this was too syrupy.

Drinkability is moderate. The flavor was ok but unimpressive. Really one of the less impressive doppelbocks I've run into. (765 characters)

Pours a deep ruby with chestnut highlights, head is a light tan with that settles into a thin cover of lace that tries to cling to the side of my Duvel tulip.

Smells like a delicious loaf of artisan bread with hints of roasted chestnuts and a little bit of apple-like sweetness. The taste is a beautiful balance of rich nutty bread-like flavor that is matched by a slight hallertau hop bite that brings the swallow to a crisp conclusion. Carbonation is moderate, mouth feel is rich and clean.

This is a great dopplebock, there is nothing that I would change about it. I look forward to it's release every year. The alcohol is completely hidden, so take care with your moderation, this one will sneak up on you. (713 characters)